Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

I'm looking at buying my first dual suspension mountain bike and my LBS has suggested these 2 bikes based on my current budget (approx $3,000) as I have decided to sell my ride bike. I'm looking for an all mountain bike as I'm unfamiliar with MTB components etc. Anyone out there have an opinion?

i cant comment on the stumpjumper as ive never ridden one but i have ridden my brothers trance X2 and i was MIGHTY impressed
it climbs like it has a electric motor on it and the components are great

i think it has SLX which shifts super smooth and fox shocks front and back which will deal with most terrain

Thats a tough call

The drivetrain componentry is pretty even for the two. SLX on the giant and SLX/sram X9 on the stumpy
I probably prefer the Avid Elixir R brakes on the Stumpy, vs SLX on the Giant
I prefer the rear shock on the Giant.
Front forks are the same.
Wheels look pretty similar as well.

Best bet is to ride them both and buy the one that feels and fits the best, because they are built up to a very similar spec level.

Enjoy.

Expand what your looking at, I think the MERIDA Ninety Six HFS 1000-D (2009) would be a good bike, a group of stores in the ACT have them at $2,799.95 - normally around the $3500.00 mark
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes/show/100041859



I'm currently looking at this bike, I've just started racing XC and this is an excellent package.

jaybee wrote:I'm looking at buying my first dual suspension mountain bike and my LBS has suggested these 2 bikes based on my current budget (approx $3,000) as I have decided to sell my ride bike. I'm looking for an all mountain bike as I'm unfamiliar with MTB components etc. Anyone out there have an opinion?

Personally, I think you're on the wrong track to be buying a FS bike as your first MTB. A good quality HT (at the ~$2000 price level) will teach you to be a better rider. In MTB riding, technique is very important, and you'll learn that technique more efficiently on a HT. After you've been riding for 18-24 months, you will have enough experience to think about moving on to a FS bike, and you'll know what to look for.

Otherwise, Tomness speaks with goodness. Both bikes are pretty much on par and you'll really only choose between them by riding both.

Cheers,
Graeme

Newton wrote:Expand what your looking at, I think the MERIDA Ninety Six HFS 1000-D (2009) would be a good bike, a group of stores in the ACT have them at $2,799.95 - normally around the $3500.00 mark
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes/show/100041859



I'm currently looking at this bike, I've just started racing XC and this is an excellent package.

Looks like a great bike, but I have one worry with that design - knocking my knees on the shock. I occasionaly knock my knees on the top tube - not sure I'm keen on the idea of cutting chunks out of my knees on the shock. The Giant won't have that issue.

Shouldn't be an issue, I'm currentyl riding a Cell XC-2 dual suspension bike, I also bring my knees up close to the top bar, and todate have not noticed hitting the shock. The other advantage of the position of this shock is that it keeps the shock away from stone chips, which other designs suffer from having the shock low in the frame or behind the seat post.

Thank you for the advice as it has been a tough call so far!

I forgot to mention that I have been riding a HT (Norco Mountaineer) which has seen better days, over the last 3 years.

The Trance X2 has caught my eye and I might be able to pick up a new one for $2,700.

Looks like this weekend I will need to visit the LBS to make a call!

Kalgrm wrote:Personally, I think you're on the wrong track to be buying a FS bike as your first MTB.

Graeme would say that. He always does.
I would have a look at a 4" travel bike.
Check out the Anthem X2 in your price range.

Newton wrote:Shouldn't be an issue, I'm currentyl riding a Cell XC-2 dual suspension bike, I also bring my knees up close to the top bar, and todate have not noticed hitting the shock. The other advantage of the position of this shock is that it keeps the shock away from stone chips, which other designs suffer from having the shock low in the frame or behind the seat post.

I've noticed that on both the Cell (a great value entry level dually, btw) and the Cannondale Rize that I'm coveting the shock sits back a lot further, closer to the seatpost, whereas on the Merida it seems much further forward.

I'm not putting the cell and the cannondale in the same class, the cell is a reasonably spec'd entry level bike, the cannondale quality is renowned, but they do share similiar looks, shock placement, bent top tube. Clearance between the front wheel & frame is bigger on the cannondale, the angle the bike sits at is also slightly steeper - there are many other differences.

Head tube angle on the Cell looks a lot more upright ... 2-3 degrees? That will make for more "sudden" handling and lead to it feeling more "tippy" (as in OTB) on the descents than the Rize, but a bit easier to handle on the climbs. It also has a lower BB height, but the Rize is 130mm travel compared to the Cell's 100mm so that would be consistent with the Rize being pitched at all-day trail riding and enduro racing, and the Cell being a shorter-travel XC machine.